The new Mayor of Merton has dedicated her year in office to Community Togetherness and Empowerment.

Councillor Joan Henry was elected as Mayor for the 2022/23 municipal year by the Council tonight (25 May).

Councillor Henry said: “I am delighted to become Mayor of Merton and I’m looking forward to an exciting year ahead of meeting people from across the borough.

“The way in which our community has pulled together to support each other through the pandemic has been truly inspirational and I want to help harness our strong sense of community spirt during the coming year.  

“This is why I have dedicated my mayoralty to community togetherness and also to working in partnership with organisations across Merton to do all I can to help empower our young people to realise their full potential. This has never been more important, as many of the opportunities previously available to them have been curtailed by COVID-19, just as they prepare to make their way out into the world.”

In support of her theme of Community Togetherness and Empowerment, Councillor Henry has chosen the Dons Local Action Group which was set up by AFC Wimbledon fans to help support the most vulnerable residents through the pandemic and the Jimmy Asher Foundation, which supports young people from diverse backgrounds to make positive life choices.   

Councillor Henry was first elected to the council in 2014 and represents Pollards Hill Ward in Mitcham.

She will be assisted in her role as Mayor by her consort, Floyd Blake, and her chaplain will be the Reverend Kenneth Scott from the New Testament Church of God Dayspring in Pollards Hill. 

The Deputy Mayor for 2022/23 is Councillor Agatha Akyigyina OBE, who represents Figges Marsh Ward in Mitcham. Her consort is Jennifer Christie.